There was a time when I thought I knew, almost for certain, what made a good head football coach. Now, after three significant head coaching failures at Miami, I am not so sure any more.
Larry Coker was the "players choice" coach. He was a former offensive coordinator who wound up being labeled as a terrible recruiter and as Coach Cker for no "O". When he was hired we were all like "Give him the keys to the Ferrari, he is old and stable and most certainly he will not crash it". Who would have known he would run that fast car into a ditch, total it and then catch it on fire just a few years later?
Randy Shannon was the coach who lived, breathed and bleed Orange and Green. He was a Hurricane player, coach and disciple who knew UM football better than anyone else could have ever imagined. He was hired and then ordained by God to bring back Hurricane football to its righteous place in the world (no confession needed). He was also apparently angry, closed and bitter and then took only four years to absolutely fail at his mission.
Al Golden strolled into lovely Coral Gables via Temple and Philadelphia. He thought he found Nirvana when he left a dirty, old city in PA and then arrived in the 305 and South Beach and the Gables tropical landscape. He found the talent rich recruiting area he inherited by default to be very prosperous. Then he found out he can't coach a lick and now has to avoid the Miami Gardens/Opa Locka area or things will not go well for him.
So what are the characteristics that REALLY make a good head coach? Please list your top 5 qualities that is you were an AD that you would look for in your next head coach. Be concise, use bullet points not paragraphs, and we will collect the data and spit it back at U!
1
Posted by: BEERicane | October 02, 2015 at 10:37 PM
-Disciplinarian
-Motivator
-Energy/Intensity
-Relatibility
-Accountable
Posted by: BEERicane | October 02, 2015 at 10:41 PM
1. Smart
2. Creative
3. Innovator
4. People Person
5. Motivator
Posted by: 86Cane | October 02, 2015 at 10:45 PM
How bad is the life of a hurricane fan these days?? So bad that this fan is going to the Florida vs Ole Miss game tomorrow.
I will be rooting for Ole Miss but at a very low level as I want to make it out of dullsville unharmed.
Posted by: raizecane | October 02, 2015 at 10:47 PM
1. Have a Identity in all 3 phases(Offense, Defense, Special Teams).
2. Hire Competent Coaches who can teach that Identity in detail that is understandable.
3.Recruit Student Athletes who fit that said identity who have discipline, heart, and Football IQ,.
4. Put said Student Athletes in positions to succeed.
5. Be able to make adjustments, in preparation for a game, in game, and be amendable to see any mistakes U are making and own It.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | October 02, 2015 at 10:47 PM
Raize...answer the question above?
Posted by: 86Cane | October 02, 2015 at 10:48 PM
I am hiring TSully! That shyte is on POINT!
Posted by: 86Cane | October 02, 2015 at 10:50 PM
1. A highly motivated person.
2. LEADER.
3. Obsession with excellence.
Posted by: The Dude | October 02, 2015 at 10:50 PM
1) Longevity
2) Drive
3) Creating Togetherness
4) Fairness
5) Consistency
Posted by: raizecane | October 02, 2015 at 10:51 PM
This question depends on who you're asking. Are you asking players, fans, staff or admin?
Posted by: The Dude | October 02, 2015 at 10:53 PM
Dude,,,,,he's asking you,,,,,the bloggers
Posted by: raizecane | October 02, 2015 at 10:55 PM
Held off on posting over the last two days, but I took a quick scan of the last two boards. There's little most of us didn't already suspect. Golden and his staff have been suspect for a few years, in spite of all he was up against (ie Nevin, the cloud, etc,). Last year and this year were really his chances to prove that he was capable of learning and growing as a coach, as he had enough talent to have pretty solid seasons. We all know how last year worked out, and we have seen it this season plenty even before UCinci, with inconsistency vs. FAU and a 4th qtr. implosion vs. Nebraska. The game vs. Cinci was almost expected unfortunately. The coaching staff coached like they were entitled to win, simply doing dumb things repeatedly that allowed Cinci to move the ball at will during the first half, along with showing a lack of player preparation (anyone remember how to tackle?). O, D and ST strategies are insance, and the fact that they don't appear to adjust, not just in individual games but over the course of the season, shows immaturity, narcissism that is unjustified (not like that of Jimmy Johnson or Urban Meyer), and an overall low football IQ (not a good trait in a football coach at any level).
That being said, I'd likely consider keeping Beard because of his pedigree and short tenure, and even Coley if willing to accept a stronger role as a recruiter and a diminished role as an OC, as he has been consistently pretty bad, even though with occasionally nice calls. Why even bother with 3rd down though? This is the U, dang it!
The program isn't in a terrible place in terms of quality of player, but is in terms of development and planning. This is Zook-like, and with the right coach could be repaired relatively quickly, although with a priority of being able to keep the next recruiting class relatively intact. I know. Good luck with that. So, how does this happen?
First, if this staff has clearly been found to have lost this team, and the FSU game should make things clear, the U has to be ready to already be looking for a very good replacement. If necessary, a rapid firing and replacement, as in within days, needs to happen if during the season. There has to be something to be hopeful about going into the next recruiting class, and this season imploding and anticipating a firing at the end of the season would be even worse, imo.
Okay. I'm talking too much. Love the U, but can't justify spending all the time watching football games that really give me no pleasure any more. Even when they win, it feels like it was somehow luck of a few good athletic plays rather than being the better or evenly prepared team. When the U used to lose many years ago, they were either outplayed, made an occasional stupid run of plays , had a ref error (ie Cleveland Gary vs. NDU), or just had an occasional bad game. Now, their style of game is incredibly consistently, and no game ever feels safe with this staff. I truly didn't think the U had things wrapped up vs. Nebraska even when up by 23, hate to say.
Hate to say, but I guess the next good title for a blog might be coming up with the 10 worst games ever, as some brought up a few like the UVa loss in the last home game at the grand old lady. There are losses that are the worst due to being terrible games (UVa, Syracuse, '84 Maryland F. Reich comeback), and then there are those that were terrible simply because of outcomes (OSU championship game, NDU C. Gary "fumble" game, etc.). Losing to the Bearcats and being outplayed, coached and generally handled for the entire game was just gut-wrenching. The only time I felt like the U might finally start taking over the game was when up 20-17 and hitting the long pass that ultimately got reversed, but at first made me think we might have a 10 point lead. Once that happened, it was obvious the 'Cats weren't going away. Anyone here ever really not want the FSU-UM game to come? This would be one of those times.
Interested in people's thoughts as to potential hires (I don't see this U bringing back Butch ever, as he's damaged goods after an academic scandal). Have a nice weekend all.
Posted by: JCane | October 02, 2015 at 10:56 PM
I like accountability as a trait and planning/organizing skills also.
Posted by: 86Cane | October 02, 2015 at 10:56 PM
Also depends on your definition of good is. I know what a winning coach has.
Posted by: The Dude | October 02, 2015 at 10:58 PM
Dude...U are WAY over thinking it! Just the simple, clear, concise 5 traits of a head coach U would hire if U were the AD at UM?
Posted by: 86Cane | October 02, 2015 at 11:02 PM
not great quality post game comments from AG -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3u1l5AGc8w
same excuses .......
Posted by: raizecane | October 02, 2015 at 11:05 PM
I'm not but I get your point.
Every great coach I played for was super motivated and pushed his players to the max. He made us embrace woking really hard. We knew we could outwork everyone. I think Al is super motivated. Leadership is being the alpha, the unquestionable guy with answers. I think Al can BS this to his players to a point. And the last point is an obsession with excellence to which includes a lot of things like being able to audit yourself and your team.
Posted by: The Dude | October 02, 2015 at 11:09 PM
1. A knowledgeable and proven winner at the college level, that can develop an effective game plan and is able to make in-game adjustments
2. An excellent recruiter, especially in S FL & FL (also able to cherry pick outside the state)
3. A good fit for the 305 area/culture/high school/athletes/coaches. Knows his way around or can learn.
4. Proven developer of talent
5. Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills with players not only to motivate but keep them in line
Posted by: Lurker | October 02, 2015 at 11:09 PM
The last point I think Al severely lacks.
Posted by: The Dude | October 02, 2015 at 11:09 PM
I think even Vegas will give up after last night -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MufRS3vS2_8
Posted by: raizecane | October 02, 2015 at 11:10 PM
The next coach I hire will have all of those traits. He'd also know the recruiting landscape down in Miami so he can hit the ground running. He'd have been a HC before with some success and would be a professional through and through.
Posted by: The Dude | October 02, 2015 at 11:13 PM
Lurker...excellent work there!
Posted by: 86Cane | October 02, 2015 at 11:13 PM
Dude...U are awful at this "bullet point" stuff. LOL
Posted by: 86Cane | October 02, 2015 at 11:14 PM
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | October 02, 2015 at 10:47 PM
#2 #5
Two areas we sorely lack
Posted by: 1mg of Epi | October 02, 2015 at 11:16 PM
Each postbis a bullet. Lol. And blogging from my phone aint easy.
Posted by: The Dude | October 02, 2015 at 11:16 PM
^^^ my point is right there in the typo.
Posted by: The Dude | October 02, 2015 at 11:17 PM
86 Great blog title and thought provoking stuff. I love it. Thank U Brotha for the kind words. Just my thoughts. We need this badly. Blake James these points we are making are critical for Our Canes to Rise Again and make Us all Proud. Go Canes!
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | October 02, 2015 at 11:18 PM
Sorry, but I copied and pasted my post that was right at the end of the last blog, and it was a ramble.
To answer the above:
1. Recruit (we used to think that was enough, but Al has shown otherwise), which means knowing south FL with hs coach relationships, camps for kids, and so on.
2. Motivation
3. Player development
4. Good assistant hires, and being able to work with them rather than marry them!
5. Gameday prep with willingness to learn and adjust.
Posted by: JCane | October 02, 2015 at 11:22 PM
Al didn't have to be this bad. JJ came from Ok State, and everyone wanted to run him out of town. Jankovich made a great hire, it turned out. Al just isn't JJ.
Posted by: JCane | October 02, 2015 at 11:24 PM
A guy who understands Miami guys. Butch let the leaders of the team be the coaches and motivators of the team in practice.
Run a very aggressive defensive scheme...like JJs 4 3.
Get an o coordinator who has a small play book and focuses on speed and talent for the success of the offense. They master a few running and passing plays with different looks.
When they get on the field is is always full speed. In the games ..no matter if you are a starter or a back up your flying around.
Dont run the bad ass players off but harness that toughness.
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | October 02, 2015 at 11:24 PM
Thank you 86.
While I'm not shocked about last night, I feel terrible for the players and our long time fans that put so much of themselves into the program, like yourself, Sully, and many others. So much skin in the game.
I'm hurt, dawg.
Posted by: Lurker | October 02, 2015 at 11:26 PM
Yesss Sir Lur-ker.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | October 02, 2015 at 11:38 PM
IMO there is one guy I think fits all those characteristics that we will ever have a shot at.
Let's see how the season plays out.
Posted by: Go Canes | October 02, 2015 at 11:38 PM
I'm hurt, dawg.
Posted by: Lurker | October 02, 2015 at 11:26 PM
The depth of my pain is not measurable.
Posted by: 86Cane | October 02, 2015 at 11:38 PM
I had a battle with GOUT a year ago.
That ain't nothin.
This Hurricane pain is SEVERE!
Posted by: 86Cane | October 02, 2015 at 11:40 PM
86, I compare it more with watching the games being like prepping for a colonoscopy, and the outcomes being like having the procedure done without anesthesia. The worst part is being equally excited about the scope and the games. :(
Posted by: JCane | October 02, 2015 at 11:48 PM
Posted by: Go Canes | October 02, 2015 at 11:38 PM
No sir. Speak now or forever hold your peace.
Posted by: The Dude | October 02, 2015 at 11:54 PM
Record after 4 games, Points For, Points Allowed
1995: 1-3, 081 PF, 088 PA
1996: 4-0, 160 PF, 013 PA
1997: 1-3, 091 PF, 086 PA
1998: 3-1, 177 PF, 073 PA
1999: 2-2, 126 PF, 069 PA
2000: 3-1, 201 PF, 064 PA
2001: 4-0, 175 PA, 035 PA
2002: 4-0, 186 PA, 060 PA
2003: 4-0, 157 PA, 079 PA
2004: 4-0, 129 PA, 030 PA
2005: 3-1, 093 PA, 053 PA
2006: 2-2, 082 PA, 067 PA
2007: 3-1, 101 PA, 080 PA
2008: 2-2, 120 PA, 084 PA
2009: 3-1, 099 PA, 102 PA
2010: 3-1, 131 PA, 059 PA
2011: 2-2, 117 PA, 081 PA
2012: 3-1, 134 PA, 130 PA
2013: 4-0, 181 PA, 050 PA
2014: 3-1, 126 PA, 099 PA
2015: 3-1, 159 PA, 076 PA
Posted by: TonyCane | October 02, 2015 at 11:56 PM
1)Disciplinarian/Motivator
2)Great recruiter for players/Ass.Coaches
3)A great day time coach smart w. strategies
4)A person of great integrity.
5)A real Student-Athlete's coach
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | October 03, 2015 at 12:00 AM
Players have to trust and believe in the coaches on and off the field, and all season long. If this is lost again, coach has to go. Last year's excuse of blaming players for this was ridiculous.
Nice weekend all.
Posted by: JCane | October 03, 2015 at 12:04 AM
http://coachingsearch.com/article?a=Rick-Neuheisel-rips-Miami-administration-They-should-be-ashamed
^^^ Next coach wont be Rick Neuheisel.
Posted by: The Dude | October 03, 2015 at 12:04 AM
TonyCane we were 2-2 after 4 Games last Year. We lost to Louisville, Beat FAMU and Arkansas State, then lost to Nebraska.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | October 03, 2015 at 12:07 AM
http://www.chatsports.com/miami-hurricanes/a/Miami-Coaching-Hot-Board-The-Top-10-Replacements-For-Al-Golden-If-He-Gets-Fired-4007
^^^ From last year when Miami should have fired Al Golden.
Posted by: The Dude | October 03, 2015 at 12:08 AM
You're right, typo.
Posted by: TonyCane | October 03, 2015 at 12:22 AM
I don't do bullet points well either. But let me just say each coach is different. Lets look at national championship coaches at UM.
Schnellenberger.
1. Quiet confidence. He could say more with 5 words than most say with fifty.
2. Offensive genius at the time. He brought pro style offense to college ball.
3. Great recruiter. He brought kids here that UM never has before.
4. Assemble great staff. Gary Stephens was brilliant. Brought Earl Morral to help QBs.
5. Goal setting. Never set bar any lower than national championship.
Jimmy Johnson.
1. Emotional. Never seen a guy with better buy in between staff and players. Guys would run though walls for him.
2. Defensive minded. Guy brought an attacking U to defense and scrapped the passive 3-4.
3. Best recruiter ever.
4. Assembled great staff. Butch Davis, Norv Turner, Tommy Tuberville, Dave Campo, and Dave Wannstedt were a part of his staff.
5. Set goal of national championship each year. Never settled for less or expected less from his players.
Dennis Erickson.
1. Smart. Realized he was left a phenomenal defense and stayed with it.
2. Emotional. Dennis really cared about his players. It never felt like it was about him even while his schemes were innovative for college ball.
3. Great recruiter. He brought in guys like Wesley Carroll, Danyell Ferguson, Craig Erickson, Gino Torreta, Barrow, Armstead, Smith and made it work.
4. Assembled great staff. Bob Bratkowski was an excellent offensive coach. Sonny Lubick was also a great defensive coach for his time.
5. Goal setting. Nothing less than national championship was ever a consideration or acceptable with the talent level he had.
Butch Davis. I list Butch here because Coker won only because he had Butch's guys.
1. Discipline. Butch took over a real dumpster fire at UM. He emphasized personal accountability by players and boosters and kept the program clean when everyone wanted it shut down.
2. Quiet confidence. He never lost belief when the noise was loud.
3. Great Recruiter. Butch brought great players. Ed Reed, Edge, Portis, Shockey, Santana Moss, Reggie Wayne etc. Also put Santana on track scholly.
4. Assembled above average staff. Chuck
Pagano and Larry Coker.
5. Goal Setting. He knew what the ultimate goal was even as he was unable to deliver it immediately because of sanctions.
Posted by: SJMPARMAN | October 03, 2015 at 12:23 AM
Jim Tressel is technically hireable.
Posted by: The Dude | October 03, 2015 at 12:24 AM
Uh, Butch's staff also included Curtis Johnson and Greg Schiano, I think Chud also. And of course Sol and Kehoe and Mark Stoops.
Posted by: The Dude | October 03, 2015 at 12:31 AM
I want to hear what VA has to say about this.
Posted by: IraqiCane | October 03, 2015 at 12:37 AM
Schiano only worked at Miami for 18 months. Johnson Kehoe and Soldinger were lifers who were screwed by Paul Dee. Chud was OC after Coker.
Posted by: SJMPARMAN | October 03, 2015 at 12:39 AM
Point taken. He still had excellent assistants.
Posted by: The Dude | October 03, 2015 at 12:50 AM